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Oct 31, 1517
95 Theses
This marks the definitive beginning of the Reformation as well as the 'beginning' of the Lutheran Church. Although this has no direct link to new government, it sprung each subsequent reform that limited the monarchy. -
Period: Oct 31, 1517 to
The Reformation
The Reformation officially began when Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic Church in 1517 although the events leading to it are sometimes considered part of the Reformation. It ended along with the Thirty Years' War in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia. -
Apr 1, 1534
The Founding of the Church of England
In order that he could divorce Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII seperated England from the Catholic Church and created the Church of England, marking one of the largest conversions of the Reformation Era. This actually did the opposite of limiting monarchy, as Henry VIII and the several following monarchs maintained absolute control compared to their predecessors. -
Dec 13, 1545
Council of Trent Image
Displays picture for the Council of Trent. -
Period: Dec 13, 1545 to Dec 4, 1563
The Council of Trent
The Council of Trent solidified Catholic Doctrine, effectively allowing the Reformation to continue without a hope of a restoration of a unified Christian Church. Like the 95 Theses, this had no direct impact on monarchies and governments, but it did affect how the Catholic Church was viewed among reformists and contributed to the partial restoration of ties between (some) reformist churches and the Catholic Church. -
Aug 24, 1572
The Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre
On this day, hundreds of Protestant Huguenots were killed by the French Catholics, furthering the seperation between the Catholics and other Christians. This contributed to the reform in government of central Europe and Germany (and was a part of an unofficial Civil War). -
The Edict of Nantes
With the passing of the Edict of Nantes, we see a nearly successful solution to the religious turmoil that was caused by the Reformation. However, it ultimately failed in allowing all religions to coexist. Like several other events, it had no impact on Reformation Era monarchies, however, its affect on society was monumentous and I still included it. -
The Peace of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia marks the end to the Protestant Reformation as well as the end to the Eight Years' War and the Thirty Years' War. The Treaty of Westphalia brought peace to central Europe and contributed to the growing sense of nationalist pride, which consequently weakened the monarchal power of these nations.
